Program Details

Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems

Offered By: College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

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Total Program Credits & Course Length:

Total Program Credits: 36

Online: 8 weeks [ More Info ]

Transfer Credits:

Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)

Program Tuition Rate:

Online: $500 per credit. [ More Info ]

As part of our commitment to keeping tuition rates competitive, GCU has kept campus tuition costs frozen since 2009. While the cost per credits are listed below, the average campus student pays only $8,600 per year* in tuition after institutional scholarships and grants. Speak with your university counselor for more information about estimating the costs of attending GCU.

Tuition	Credits	2018-19
Traditional Undergraduate	1-11	$687.50 per credit
Traditional Undergraduate	12-18 (block tuition)	$8,250 per semester
Traditional Undergraduate	19+ (semester rate +)	$8,250 + $687.50 per credit above 18 credits
Summer Traditional Undergraduate (Except pre-licensure nursing cohorts)*		$310 per credit

*Tuition rates for all courses beginning July 1, 2018

*No in-state/out-of-state rates

*Traditional campus undergraduate students taking courses in the online format will be charged the regular tuition rates.

*Traditional campus undergraduate students are required to take a minimum of nine (9) credits in the traditional campus format.

It is the policy of GCU to collect and remit sales, use, excise and/or gross receipts taxes in compliance with state and local taxing jurisdiction regulations, which require the university to remit tax where applicable. Regulations vary by student location. Payment of tax is ultimately the student's financial responsibility to the university regardless of financing arrangements. Per Hawaii requirements: It is hereby stated that students residing in the State of Hawaii will be charged Hawaii General Excise Tax on all transactions. Students living in the District of Oahu will be charged 4.712 percent. Students residing in other Hawaii districts will be charged 4.1666 percent.

*Fees subject to change.

GCU's non-traditional tuition rates are for students who are interested in pursuing an online degree program or taking evening classes. Speak with your university counselor to learn more about your opportunities for scholarships off tuition through GCU's educational alliances or to find out about options for continuing education for teachers.

Undergraduate Tuition	2018-19
Education Programs	$440 per credit
Theology Programs	$395 per credit
Applied Business Analytics / Applied Business Information Systems/ Business Information Systems/ Computer Programming / Information Technology Programs	$449 per credit
Business Administration with an Emphasis in Business Intelligence	$470 per credit
Online and Professional Studies (all programs other than those listed above)	$470 per credit
Active Duty and Active Reserve (online and professional studies)	$250 per credit

Graduate Tuition	2018-19
Education Programs	$530 per credit
Master of Divinity	$340 per credit
IT Programs	$505 per credit
Business Programs (Excludes Business Analytics / Information Systems and Technology Management)	$575 per credit
Nursing Programs	$500 per credit
Advanced Practice Nursing Programs	$670 per credit
Business Analytics / Information Systems and Technology Management Programs	$505 per credit
Online and Professional Studies (all programs other than those listed above)	$515 per credit
Active Duty and Active Reserve (online and professional studies)	$400 per credit
Doctoral Programs (includes DIS-966 through DIS-970)	$650 per credit
Doctoral Programs – Active Duty and Active Reserve (online and professional studies)	$617.50 per credit

Continuing Education (CTE) Tuition	2018-19
Online	$150 per credit

*Fees subject to change.

2018-19

Residence Hall Rates Students are required to carry at least a Canyon $1,350 meal plan.
Prescott / Camelback / Sedona / Chaparral / Saguaro / Ocotillo	Triple Occupancy	$3,550 per academic year
The Grove: Acacia / Ironwood / Juniper / Willow	Triple Occupancy	$3,550 per academic year
Cypress	Double Occupancy	$4,400 per academic year
Prescott / Camelback / Sedona / Chaparral / Saguaro / Ocotillo	Double Occupancy	$5,000 per academic year
The Grove: Acacia / Ironwood / Juniper / Willow	Double Occupancy	$5,000 per academic year

Apartment Rates Students are required to carry at least a Canyon $750 meal plan.
North Rim	Double Occupancy	$5,500 per academic year
North Rim	Single Occupancy	$6,000 per academic year
Papago Studio (two bedrooms, one bathroom, no kitchen or living room)	Single Occupancy	$5,500 per academic year
Papago / Agave / Roadrunner / Diamondback / Encanto (four bedrooms, two bathrooms, with kitchen and living room)	Single Occupancy	$6,100 per academic year

Summer Room Rates
Active student (actively enrolled in at least one course)		$1,200
Working student (on-campus job, but not taking courses)		$1,600

All residents (including all on-campus and remote housing residents) commit to housing reservations as an academic year-long lease (both fall and spring semesters) and are charged for housing by the academic year (both fall and spring semesters).
All housing charges, including room and board, are billed to the student's account.
For payment methods and deadlines contact your university counselor or student services counselor.
All rates include parking (summer only), rent, water, electricity, basic cable and Internet. Rates above DO NOT include tax.

Meal Plans Meal plans for 2017-18 are Dining Dollars only and do not include meal swipes.
Plans	Details	Price
Canyon $750 Dining Dollars	Exclusive to apartment residents or commuter students.	$1,500 per academic year
Canyon $1,350 Dining Dollars	Minimum requirement for residence hall residents.	$2,700 per academic year
Canyon $1,800 Dining Dollars		$3,500 per academic year
Canyon $2,100 Dining Dollars		$4,000 per academic year
Canyon $2,700 Dining Dollars		$5,100 per academic year

*Fees subject to change.

2018-19

Residence Hall Rates Students are required to carry at least a Canyon $1,350 meal plan.
Prescott / Camelback / Sedona / Chaparral / Saguaro / Ocotillo	Triple Occupancy	$3,550 per academic year
The Grove: Acacia / Ironwood / Juniper / Willow	Triple Occupancy	$3,550 per academic year
Canyon	Double Occupancy	$4,400 per academic year
Prescott / Camelback / Sedona / Chaparral / Saguaro / Ocotillo	Double Occupancy	$5,000 per academic year
The Grove: Acacia / Ironwood / Juniper / Willow	Double Occupancy	$5,000 per academic year

Apartment Rates Students are required to carry at least a Canyon $750 meal plan.
North Rim	Double Occupancy	$5,500 per academic year
North Rim	Single Occupancy	$6,000 per academic year
Papago Studio (two bedrooms, one bathroom, no kitchen or living room)	Single Occupancy	$5,500 per academic year
Papago / Agave / Roadrunner / Diamondback / Encanto / Jerome / Cactus (four bedrooms, two bathrooms, with kitchen and living room)	Single Occupancy	$6,100 per academic year

Summer Room Rates
Active student (actively enrolled in at least one course)		$1,200
Working student (on-campus job, but not taking courses)		$1,600

All residents (including all on-campus and remote housing residents) commit to housing reservations as an academic year-long lease (both fall and spring semesters) and are charged for housing by the academic year (both fall and spring semesters).
All housing charges, including room and board, are billed to the student's account.
For payment methods and deadlines contact your university counselor or student services counselor.
All rates include parking (summer only), rent, water, electricity, basic cable and Internet. Rates above DO NOT include tax.

Meal Plans Meal plans for 2018-19 are Dining Dollars only and do not include meal swipes.
Plans	Details	Price
Canyon $250 Dining Dollars	Exclusive to commuter students.	$500 per academic year
Canyon $750 Dining Dollars	Exclusive to apartment residents or commuter students.	$1,500 per academic year
Canyon $1,350 Dining Dollars	Minimum requirement for residence hall residents.	$2,700 per academic year
Canyon $1,800 Dining Dollars		$3,500 per academic year
Canyon $2,100 Dining Dollars		$4,000 per academic year
Canyon $2,700 Dining Dollars		$5,100 per academic year

*Fees subject to change.

Traditional On-Campus Fees

2018-19

Fees indicated are effective for all students enrolling for 2018-19 academic year. Please contact your university counselor with any questions.

Canyon Connect	Undergraduate courses	$95 per class
Registration Deposit	Non-refundable	$50
Student Activity Fee	Traditional undergraduate and graduate campus students (except those in the nursing pre-licensure program)	$275 per semester (excluding summer)
Colter Surface Parking (2018-19)	Green Lot - For campus residents only. Secure parking for student vehicles near or adjacent to campus. Limited spaces are available.	$50
Grove Garage Resident Parking (2018-19)	Red Lot - For Grove residents only. Covered parking for student vehicles near Willow, Acacia, Juniper and Ironwood residence halls.	$150 per academic year
29th Avenue Parking Garage (2018-19)	Black Lot - For campus residents only. Covered parking on the perimeter of campus on floors 2, 3, 4 and 5.	$150 per academic year
Halo Parking Garage (2018-19)	Purple Lot - For commuter students only. Covered parking on the perimeter of campus on floors 2, 3, 4 and 5.	$150 per academic year
Lot D – Formerly Missouri Avenue Surface Parking (2018-19)	Orange Lot - For commuter students only. Secure parking for student vehicles near or adjacent to campus.	$20 per academic year
Housing Application Fee	Traditional undergraduate campus students and non-refundable	$250
Housing Prepayment	Returning residents only and non-refundable	$200
Returned Check Fee	All returned checks	$25
Health Insurance		$2,439 per academic year
Transcript Fee		$5
Graduation Fee		$150
Health Fee		$70 per semester
Health Center Visit Fee		$25
Schedule Change Fee		$25
Late Payment Fee		$25
Global Studies Portfolio Fee		$90
Hospitality Management Premium		$100 per semester
Tennis Management Premium		$250 per semester
Golf Management Premium		$500 per semester
Computer Science, Computer Programming, Engineering and Information Technology Program Premium 2018-19		$800 per semester
Nursing Program Premium 2018-19 (effective summer 2018)	Pre-Licensure program	$1,000 per semester
Worship Arts Premium	Includes minors	$250 per semester
Special Course Fees		Refer to the University Policy Handbook

*Fees subject to change.

Non-Traditional Online and Evening Fees

2018-19

Fees indicated are effective for all students enrolling starting on July 1, 2018, unless otherwise specified.

Canyon Connect	Undergraduate courses	$95
Canyon Connect	Graduate courses	$105
Canyon Connect	Doctoral courses	$115
RN to BSN Program Course Material Fee	5-week courses with an NRS- prefix and HLT-362V	$120 per course
Course Material Fee	NUR-634	Refer to the University Policy Handbook
Learning Management Service Fee	New online and professional studies students	$400
Doctoral Residencies	Including MDiv	$795-$1,195 per Residency
Doctoral Programs	Dissertation continuation - optional zero-credit course	$500
Accordance Bible Software	New MDiv students only	$285
Credential Evaluation (International)	Basic evaluation	$175
Credential Evaluation (International)	Course-by-course evaluation	$250
Returned Check Fee	All returned checks	$25
Transcript Fee		$5
Graduation Fee		$150
Special Course Fees		Refer to the University Policy Handbook

*Fees subject to change.

Earn Your Masters in Nursing - Leadership in Health Care Systems

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Nursing degree program prepares nurses for leadership roles in today’s rapidly changing healthcare delivery systems. This program is an ideal avenue for current nurses who want to advance their career toward leadership and make a greater impact on the field at the management level. To meet expectations at this advanced level, nursing students will learn to synthesize elements of caring into the nurse-patient relationship—based on advocacy, as well as ethical, social, legal, political and historical perspectives. This program further addresses the importance of client empowerment with unconditional regard for all.

The Leadership in Health Care Systems emphasis portion of this program focuses on:

Analyzing organizational behavior among individuals, teams and departments
Developing strategies for implementing changes, leading diverse teams and fostering collaboration
Applying financial management principles
Generating data-driven, cost-effective solutions
Leading in the improvement of care processes, outcomes and the patient experience
Modeling leadership behaviors that motivate and inspire others

GCU’s MSN in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems meets standards set by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): The leadership standards for this program will align with American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE).

The masters in nursing leadership in health care systems emphasis at GCU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Select states may have additional requirements to meet their standards; reference your enrollment agreement or contact GCU for more information.

Advance Your Skills as a Nurse Leader with a Leadership in Healthcare Systems MSN Degree

This masters in nursing leadership is designed to incorporate the advanced roles of a clinician, researcher, learner, educator, coach, leader, community advocate, manager of systems, collaborator and consultant. Thus, students will possess a wide range of skills and expansive knowledge that prepares them to improve healthcare and patient outcomes from all aspects. Among the skill sets to adopt, clinical and organizational decision-making skills are required for a graduate-level nurse. These skills are developed through critical thinking, evidence-based research and diagnostic reasoning.

The MSN program’s curriculum consists of graduate nursing core and leadership courses, including leadership courses taken with Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) students. In the graduate nursing core courses, students gain the knowledge, values and skills necessary for advanced generalist nursing practice in an evolving healthcare system. The leadership coursework provides insight into how organizations function with a focus on financial and human resource management within healthcare. Leadership courses prepare master’s nursing students to meet the requirements of leaders in contemporary healthcare, which include skills in quality and performance improvement, effective communication and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Courses include an Evidence-Based Practice Project in which students address a problem in their area of professional practice, propose a solution and design an evaluation. The Leadership in Health Care Systems Practicum also provides students with the opportunity to apply what they learned to a contemporary, nursing leadership-related practicum experience. This practicum encourages the application of deep nursing knowledge, along with advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Topics can range from quality/performance improvement or mentorship/coaching to interdisciplinary relationships or staff development.

What can you do with an MSN Leadership degree?

Master’s-prepared nurses may pursue the next step in their career as an advanced registered nurse, charge nurse, director of nursing or staff nurse. Graduates may also choose to move right into the DNP program to elevate their career and nursing expertise to the highest degree.

Program Domains

Course List

The programs offered at Grand Canyon University may vary by content and course length. You are currently viewing the program version available in Arizona. For information about specific course content, credit length and VA approval in your state, please contact a counselor at 1-855-GCU-LOPE or click here to request more information.

Major:

36 credits

Total Degree Requirements:

36 credits

Program Core Courses

NUR-513: Introduction to Advanced Registered Nursing Total Credits: 4 credits

Course Description

This course examines nursing theory and the role of ethics for advanced registered nurses within the Christian worldview and through a leadership perspective focused on improving health care outcomes. Students explore the moral/ethical responsibilities and legal and regulatory obligations of advanced registered nurses in health promotion and disease prevention. Students also review evidence-based practice (EBP) literature and the research process with application to their program of study and learn to navigate scholarly EBP literature, resources, and guidelines.

NUR-514: Organizational Leadership and Informatics Total Credits: 4 credits

Course Description

This course examines the role of leadership, organizational science, policy, and informatics in supporting safe, high quality, cost-effective patient care within interprofessional, dynamic health care environments. Students explore various organizational relationships within health care systems and prepare to participate in the design of cost-effective, innovative models of care delivery and practice change proposals. Professional leadership theories and how they shape the nurse leader in such things as collaboration, conflict resolution, decision making, and negotiation are introduced. Students discuss change management theories and evaluate the ethical, social, legal, economic, and political implications of practice change and health care informatics along with strategies for managing human, fiscal, and health care resources in a variety of organizational systems. Students also examine the uses of patient care, information system, and communication technologies and discuss the design, implementation, and evaluation of electronic health record systems and clinical decision support systems.

NUR-550: Translational Research and Population Health Management Total Credits: 4 credits

Course Description

In this course, students examine the process of scientific inquiry, knowledge generation, utilization, and dissemination of evidence into advanced nursing practice in order to propose quality improvement initiatives that advance the delivery of safe, high-quality care for patient populations. Students critically evaluate evidence, including scientific findings from the biopsychosocial fields, epidemiology, biostatistics, genetics, and genomics, and apply levels of evidence and theoretical frameworks to design culturally appropriate clinical prevention interventions and population-based care that reduce risks, prevent disease, and promote health and well-being. Students also consider strategies to evaluate health policy and advocacy issues, the state of health care delivery, patient-centered care, and ethical principles related to health beliefs, health promotion, and risk reduction for diverse populations. Students apply these strategies to work towards recognizing gaps in nursing and health care knowledge, identifying potential solutions or innovations for those gaps, planning and implementing practice changes, and evaluating the outcomes in order to improve practice. Prerequisite: NUR-513.

NUR-590: Evidence-Based Practice Project Total Credits: 4 credits

Course Description

This course provides an opportunity for students to complete their evidence-based practice (EBP) project proposal addressing a problem, issue, or concern in their specialty area of professional practice. Students previously identified a problem amenable to a research-based intervention and searched the literature. In this course, students propose a solution, explore implementation considerations and various evaluation methodologies, complete the project proposal by developing a plan to implement the solution into the intended practice area, and design an evaluation plan that assesses the EBP project proposal’s intended outcome(s). Prerequisite: NUR-550.

LDR-615: Organizational Development and Change Total Credits: 4 credits

Course Description

This course is an exploration of the behavioral forces and relationships that influence organizational effectiveness and change. Topics include the study of intervention strategy and application skills.

NUR-621: Principles of Health Care Financial Management Total Credits: 4 credits

Course Description

In this course, students study principles of health care financial management and the role of fiscal responsibility within health care organizations. Along with an overview of operational budgets, students delve into the key aspects of the economic drivers and financial requirements impacting organizations, including the financial demands and implications of specific health care delivery models, efficient staffing models, and the management of operational expenses. Students examine the challenges of aligning key financial performance indicators with safety and quality measures as required in the evolving health care industry.

NUR-630: Performance Improvement and Quality in Health Care Total Credits: 4 credits

Course Description

This course examines models of performance and quality improvement in health care. Students differentiate measures of quality and learn to apply industry standard tools and process improvement methodology to enhance safety and positively impact patient outcomes and financial performance.

HRM-635: Acquiring, Developing, and Leveraging Human Capital Total Credits: 4 credits

Course Description

The effective strategic management of human capital is the differentiator of every successful organization. This course examines talent management, workforce diversity, succession planning, employee development and motivation, and performance matrix. This course addresses human resource competencies identified by the Society of HR Management (SHRM). Using the strong strategic HR acumen provided by this course, students will be well-prepared for positions as senior human resources specialists or as general managers. Also LDR-635.

NUR-674: Leadership in Health Care Systems Practicum Total Credits: 4 credits

Course Description

This course provides students the opportunity to integrate what they have learned in the program in a practicum experience related to nursing leadership. Students are expected to integrate nursing knowledge and advanced critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in the development of a comprehensive project grounded in contemporary nursing leadership theory and practice. Students develop projects based on their interests and practicum placement that can incorporate a range of leadership issues, such as quality and performance improvement, mentorship and coaching, interdisciplinary relationships and collaboration, and staff development. Practicum/field experience hours: 150. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous coursework in the program.

Program Locations

Online

Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere. GCU offers the most experienced leadership in delivering online degree programs. Full-time faculty members and fully trained adjunct instructors, equipped with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in their fields, support you every step of the way. Designed with the career-oriented professional in mind, our online classes provide an intimate environment that stimulates engaging and challenging discussions. Choose from programs across our distinct colleges, in high-demand employment areas. Classes begin frequently.

* Please note that this list may contain programs that are not presently offered as program availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability of the program.

Scientific Underpinnings for Practice
- Translate research and knowledge gained from practice, while adhering to ethical research standards, to improve patient outcomes and clinical practice.
- Utilize information systems to access relevant data, clinical guidelines, and established best practices for the improvement of patient care.
- Evaluate qualitative and quantitative research findings.
- Synthesize new knowledge in order to inform nursing practice.
- Communicate the utilization of evidence-based practice for the optimization of patient care outcomes.
Policy, Organization, and Financing of Health Care
- Integrate state, national, and World Health Organization (WHO) goals into the delivery of equitable health care.
- Develop a comprehensive knowledge of how health policy is formulated, financed, and implemented.
- Develop leadership skills to collaborate on interprofessional teams in the provision of evidence-based, patient-centered care.
- Communicate to policymakers, health care providers, and consumers the role of the nursing profession in the provision of health care.
- Demonstrate personal accountability in making cost-effective choices in the use of health care resources while providing quality care.
Systems, Safety, and Quality
- Identify and analyze common ethical dilemmas and the ways that these dilemmas impact professional practice.
- Integrate resources to resolve ethical dilemmas.
- Integrate appropriate information and communication technologies to improve nursing practice and care delivery for individuals and populations.
- Actively participate in the ongoing development of self and the nursing profession.
- Demonstrate advocacy for the nursing profession.
Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
- Synthesize nursing science, determinants of health, and epidemiologic, genomic, and genetic data in the management of population health.
- Integrate appropriate state, federal, and global health policies and goals into the design of equitable health care for populations.
- Integrate concepts and relevant theories into specialized nursing practice.
Human Diversity and Social Issues
- Utilize epidemiological principles to collect and analyze data.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the effects that social, cultural, and economic issues have on accessibility and delivery of health care.
- Recognize how social inequalities impact individual and group care disparities.
- Incorporate determinants of health (i.e., age, gender, ethnicity, and race) in the provision of culturally sensitive individualized care to individuals and communities.
- Examine human diversity and social issues within the context of a Christian heritage.
Leadership in Health Care Systems
- Utilize epidemiological, social, and environmental data to draw inferences regarding the health status of client populations.
- Develop strategy for implementing and managing change within an organization.
- Incorporate teaching and counseling strategies to promote and preserve health and healthy lifestyles in client populations.
- Collaborate with others to empower clients in achieving optimal health.
- Participate in regulatory, legislative, and political processes to promote and preserve healthy communities.
- Develop and monitor continuous quality improvement measures to improve patient care processes.
- Model professional leadership behaviors to motivate and inspire others.
Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems
- Effectively communicate and develop interpersonal relationships.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the health care environment.
- Exercise skills for leading self and others.
- Exhibit professionalism (advocacy, accountability, ethics, and membership) in the profession.
- Incorporate business skills and principles in managing the quality and cost of health care.

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.

1-855-GCU-LOPE

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Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems

Traditional On-Campus Tuition

Non-Traditional Tuition (Online and Evening Students)

Housing and Meal Costs

2018-19

2018-19

Other Fees

Traditional On-Campus Fees

2018-19

Non-Traditional Online and Evening Fees

2018-19

Earn Your Masters in Nursing - Leadership in Health Care Systems

Advance Your Skills as a Nurse Leader with a Leadership in Healthcare Systems MSN Degree

What can you do with an MSN Leadership degree?

Course List

Program Core Courses

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Program Locations

Online

Program Domains